Mauritius Opens 2 300 – 2 400 MHz and 2 500 – 2 690 MHz Bands for IMT/5G/5G-Advanced: New Technical and Licensing Requirements

On June 4, 2026, the Information & Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA) of Mauritius issued a final decision to open the 2 300 – 2 400 MHz frequency band and make additional spectrum available in both the 2 300 – 2 400 MHz and 2 500 – 2 690 MHz bands for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), including 5G and 5G-Advanced. This decision repeals the previous April 2026 decision and responds to the urgent need for additional mid-band spectrum to support the continued deployment and enhancement of IMT systems in Mauritius.

The regulation establishes that only eligible Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) who have deployed 5G networks and have been offering commercial services for more than two years may apply for spectrum assignments in these bands. The assignment process prioritizes equitable access and transparency, with provisions for operator consultations and, if necessary, spectrum auctions. The ICTA adopts a technology-neutral approach and harmonized technical conditions based on international best practices and ITU/3GPP recommendations.

Technically, the 2 300 – 2 400 MHz band is organized into 20 blocks of 5 MHz each, with synchronized TDD operation as the only authorized mode. Specific power limits and emission masks are defined for both base stations and terminal equipment, and compliance with relevant ETSI standards is mandatory for all equipment operating in these bands.

This measure is expected to facilitate a smooth evolution from 4G and 5G to 5G-Advanced, supporting advanced use cases such as XR, IoT, and industrial automation, while ensuring Mauritius remains aligned with global technological developments. The decision enters into force immediately and has significant implications for network planning, equipment approval, and the overall mobile ecosystem in Mauritius.

This measure is classified as High Impact. It introduces immediate, mandatory changes to spectrum allocation, technical requirements, and licensing for a broad range of wireless devices and operators in Mauritius.

Key reasons for high impact:

• Opens and regulates key mid-band spectrum for IMT/5G/5G-Advanced, affecting all MNOs and related device categories.
• Establishes new technical parameters (block sizes, TDD synchronization, power limits, emission masks) and mandates compliance with updated ETSI standards.
• Repeals previous decisions and introduces new eligibility and assignment mechanisms, including possible auctions.

Who is affected?

Mobile network operators, manufacturers of 5G and LTE equipment, IoT device providers, telecom infrastructure vendors, and the broader digital services sector in Mauritius.

Conclusion:

All stakeholders involved in the deployment, approval, and operation of IMT/5G/5G-Advanced equipment in Mauritius must review and adapt to the new requirements immediately to ensure compliance and continued market access.